Kelly Cleland

Kelly Lee Cleland (Zimmerman) of Candlewood Lake in Mount Gilead, Ohio, age 48, passed away at the Kobacker Hospice House on July 11, 2012 after a 21 month battle with cancer of Unknown Primary. She put up a courageous fight but our God who does all things according to His Purpose chose to take her home. Kelly was born in Mansfield, Ohio on July 12, 1963 to Phillip and Carol Zimmerman. Kelly graduated from Madison High School in Mansfield in 1981 but attended Baptist Temple Christian School most of her life where she learned to love the Lord.

Kelly was a dedicated wife and mother, always being there for her children and supporting them in every way she could. She was a friendly person who was helpful, kind, and honest. Kelly enjoyed taking family vacations all over the country but enjoyed being on the beaches of the Great Lakes and the Oceans the most. Kelly also enjoyed mushroom hunting, playing bingo, gardening, cooking, knitting, puzzles and being with her family that she loved so much.

Kelly’s greatest joy was her grandchildren and in her last couple years her grandchildren brought her the most joy, she treasured every moment with them. She worked her way up to supervisor with Midwest Retina in Dublin, Ohio where she was employed for 13 years. She was dedicated and took her job seriously and welcomed the challenges it brought. It troubled her deeply to have to step down from her position.

Kelly is survived by her husband of 30 years, Thomas M. Cleland of Mount Gilead; one son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Brianna Cleland; one daughter and son-in-law, Tami and Matthew Burgess; three grandchildren Benjamin Burgess, Addalyn Burgess and Andrew Cleland; mother, Carol Zimmerman; grandmother, Helen Zimmerman; brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Jeanne Zimmerman; brother and sister-in-law, Todd and Tammie Zimmerman; in-laws, Tom and Diane Cleland; sister-in-law, Michelle Stair, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Steve and Lynn Cleland, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Sean and Samantha Wiley, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Amy Cleland, brother-in-law, Tim Cleland; and numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and countless dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Phillip Zimmerman.

Following her request there will be no funeral service rather a “going home” service for the family at a later date at Riverside Bible Church in Columbus where Tom and Kelly were members. No burial is planned at this time. Life doesn’t always seem fair but God promises us that all things work together for the good. Memorial contributions and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Riverside Bible Church, Tape Ministry, 5330 Olentangy River Road 43235.